Tory MP David Davis says Party is improving local economy

David Sedgwick

A senior Conservative has thrown his backing behind their local candidate in the forthcoming General Election as they see more residents back the Party.

David Davis MP, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, was in North Shields on Wednesday to show support to Nick Varley, the Party’s candidate for Tynemouth in the June election.

The constituency seat has been targeted by the Conservatives as they look to build on their majority of 17 in the Houses of Parliament.

Mr Davis said they were looking to build a strong case during the Brexit negotiations which would help boost the economy and bring more jobs to the region.

He said: “Our argument is this whole election is if we get a good deal with Brexit it will give a good base for the economy, and a good base for the economy means more jobs, better wages and afford public services.

“What we are seeing in Tynemouth and the North East is ex-UKIP voters are coming across to the Conservatives and a number of Labour voters who feel Jeremy Corbyn no longer represents the real history of their Party.”

Speaking on the rise of food banks, Mr Davis said the best way to stop people needing them was to reduce unemployment, which the Conservative Government was doing.

“Unemployment figures are the best on record,” he said. “We are helping people balance the budget at home.

“We can’t control salaries but we can control tax. One million people now pay lower taxes in the North East. A typical ratepayer now saves £1,000 a year.

“Motorists pay less at the pumps as we have frozen petrol duty.”

He said the General Election would put the country in a strong position in the Brexit negotiations, should the Conservatives maintain its majority in Parliament.

“This is the most important negotiations in modern times, maybe in our history. It will be complex and difficult.

“We want people who are determined to deliver on it.”

Candidate Nick Varley has come under fire from opponents for not living in the constituency, something he says he will rectify if he wins the seat.

Mr Davis added: “People will go for the best candidate, one who is best for both the constituency and country, and in this case that is Nick.”